Chicago, IL Restaurant Guide
They call it the Second City but in Chicago, the food is First Class. Of course, we all love the Windy City classics, but with all of those planes coming in and out of O’Hare, you know Chicago’s an incredibly international city, too. Folks from all over the world follow the winds to the shores of Lake Michigan and bring mouthwatering flavors from Eastern Europe, Southeast Asia, Latin American and more. We won’t lie to you, it does get cold there, but it makes those summer months that much sweeter – and the vibes at rooftop bars and outdoor seating restaurants that much better. Plus, they have plenty of fun during the cold months too, thanks to world-class food halls, some of the best sports on the planet, and the most charming neighborhoods in the country.
Let’s start with what everyone knows about Chi-Town – the Deep Dish Pizza is epic. Whether it’s Malnati’s or Giordano’s, the Chicago Deep Dish pizza is a one-of-a-kind, unique bit of culinary artistry, brought to the city by Neapolitan immigrants at the turn of 20th century. We do our best to weigh in on what’s the best between the classics and new up and comers. Plus, the influx of Italian immigrants to Chicago at this time brought about another classic meal the town is known for – The Italian Beef Sandwich. With access to cheap, tougher cuts of meat thanks to the City’s thriving meatpacking business, these immigrants would slowly braise them in a flavorful, spicy broth and place them atop freshly baked Italian bread. Now, there are literally dozens of Italian Beef restaurants around the Chicagoland area.
As we mentioned before, O’Hare is one of the busiest airports in the world, acting as a major hub for United Airlines and American Airlines. Combine that access with a world-class city like Chicago, and it’s no wonder immigrant communities from around the world want to move there. We cover some of the best restaurants from these communities, including Puerto Rican, one of the largest Latino groups in the City traditionally, Indian, Korean, Mexican and more. It won’t take you long to discover something you love from any of our lists, whether you’re looking for Jibaritos or Hotteok.
Whether you watched Michael Jordan become the most recognized athlete in the world, caught the Cubs end their historic 100 year drought, or saw the classic SNL “Da Bears” sketch, Chicago’s sports iconography has been permeating throughout the planet for decades. And since every good fan may want to lubricate their vocal chords with a beer or few during the game, you know there are some great restaurants by the stadiums, both for pre and post game. We share a few on our lists for Wrigley and Soldier field.
During the late Spring, there may be no place on earth that is buzzing more than Chicago (in more ways than one). As mentioned previously, Chicago has an epic amount of rooftop bars and outdoor dining options throughout the City, that’s only grown since the COVID-19 pandemic. We’ve shared a few of our faves, including places like the Up Room, Bernie’s Chicago, J. Parker and more – along with some Dog-Friendly places since there’s a good chance you’ll have a canine companion with you in the summer months. And when fall starts to rear its ugly head again, you can go back to the food hall for some beers and a hang if that’s what you’re looking for.
Chicago is famous for its neighborhoods – there are more than 200 distinct neighborhoods in the whole city. We’ll do our best to cover all of them in time, but to start we’re looking at River North, Lincoln Park, Koreatown, Chinatown and more. We also cover some of the parts of town that cater to out-of-owners, like the River Walk neighborhood and Downtown Chicago.
10 Incredible AAPI Owned Restaurants in Chicago, IL
Chicago is a city with a rich cultural and culinary history, and its AAPI-owned restaurants are no exception. From Chinese to Filipino, Vietnamese to Korean, these restaurants serve up some of the most delicious and authentic food in the city. We’ve hit the streets to curate a list of 10 delicious Asian-owned restaurants in Chicago.
10 Ridiculously Fun Restaurants in Chicago
Whether you are on vacation, visiting the state, or live in Chicago, one of the crucial aspects you need to know is the eateries in the town.
12 of the Tastiest Restaurants in River North, Chicago
River North is a super fun, artsy neighborhood of Chicago. There’s all kinds of things to do in this area like walking around and shopping, enjoying the art galleries, and especially eating and drinking. You’ve got all kinds of options when you get hungry on this side of town from casual dining to fun and hip spots. Next time you’re craving something tasty to eat in River North, check out this list to find out some of our favorites.
Chinatown Chicago: The Ultimate Restaurant Guide
Chicago is one of the most interesting cities in the US, and the city offers some unforgettable dining options. When you’re craving comfort food, there’s only one place to go in this city. Chinatown has endless options of restaurants whether you want the best dumplings or ramen, they’ve got it all and more. Check out this article to find where some of the best eats are in Chinatown, Chicago.
9 Shamrockin’ Irish Pubs in Chicago, IL 🍀
There’s something both festive and delicious about Irish pubs. They’re filled with incredible menus that highlight some of the best of Irish heritage. And whether they offer live music or simply a fun ambiance, they’re undeniably a place you’ll want to spend some of your time. Chicago has a long history with its Irish pubs, so we’ve found some of the best for you to explore when you’re in the city.
Outstanding Women-Owned Restaurants in Chicago, IL
The Chicago food scene is where girl power meets grill power. Many of Chicago’s hottest restaurants are owned by talented female chefs and restaurateurs. Featuring all kinds of cuisines from vegan fare to hot pot restaurants, Chicago is home incredible women-owned spots serving up meals you’re gonna want to try. Here’s a glance at some of the best women-owned restaurants in Chicago, IL.
The 15 Best Steakhouses in Chicago
In a city like Chicago, you can find all walks of life when it comes to food, from food trucks and little hole in the wall spots to incredible fine dining. There are plenty of steakhouses in Chicago and while they are all similar at their core, each of these restaurants are different variations of the classic steakhouse you know and love. We’ve put together a list of 15 steakhouses for you to try from Brazilian and Asian inspired, to the classic steakhouse located right on the Chicago river.
Must Try Michelin Star Restaurants in Chicago, IL
When you want the ultimate culinary experience in Chicago, the coveted Michelin star should certainly serve as a guiding point. This extremely elusive awards identifies the highest of standards for both food and presentation. We’ve compiled for you a list of the finest restaurants in Chicago–all of which have received at least one Michelin star. Check out this post to read about some of our favorite restaurants with Michelin stars in Chicago, IL.
Where to Eat Near The United Center in Chicago, IL
The United Center is so much more than the largest arena in the country. It’s also in the epicenter of Chicago where there are countless food scenes emerging. When you find yourself near the United Center, whether it’s for a game, a show, or simply because you’re visiting, we’ve located some great restaurants that you can enjoy.
Top Romantic Restaurants in Chicago, Perfect for Date Night!
If you’re planning a special night out with the one you love or want to make a great impression on a first date, it’s important to choose a restaurant that offers a fun or classy atmosphere (or both!) and great food. Lucky for you, there’s tons of spots in Chicago that fit the bill for a memorable date night. To help you prepare, check out our list of romantic restaurants in Chicago.
Extreme And Totally Over-the-Top Restaurants in Chicago
Every now and then, you need to treat yourself to an over-the-top dining experience, and we’ve found that Chicago has quite a few of these spots. Whether it’s an extreme atmosphere or simply unusual and overwhelming food, you’ll find plenty of exciting, over the top restaurants to explore in Chicago.
Where to Enjoy Spectacular Omakase in Chicago, IL
Indulging in omakase over a typical sit-down meal ensures that the flavors keep on rolling through in the Windy City. Chicago has tons of great omakase restaurants that allow diners to enjoy a talented chef’s top picks! Take a look at the eight best places for omakase in Chicago.
There are only so many cities in the United States that have history and a story to tell. Chicago may be at the top of that list, especially when it comes to its culinary history. Between being known as “the Hog Butcher for the World” and having 24 Michelin-rated restaurants in the City, there is more to know about Chicago every day you spend there. So whether you’re digging into deep dish pizzas, bingeing on Italian Beef, or making a face after a shot of Malört, a night in Chicago will always be unforgettable – for both you and your stomach.